Job Description

Transform Hospital Stays for Children - Join Our Dedicated Play Team!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children during their hospital journey? Do you have the skills and enthusiasm to create a positive, playful environment that supports emotional and physical recovery? If so, we want you to join our expandingPlay Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust! About Us
Our Play Service is integral to the holistic care we provide for children and young people aged 0-17 years across two sites. We strive to create an environment where play is not just an activity but a vital component of healthcare, supporting developmental, therapeutic and recovery needs.
With recent developments in our Trust, we are placing an even stronger emphasis on play as an essential part of a child's care journey. Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate team that puts children's well-being at the heart of everything we do.
• Work in an environment where your skills are valued and your contributions make a real impact.
• Help shape the future of play as an essential part of care within our Trust.

Apply Now!
If you're ready to bring your skills and passion for play to our team, we'd love to hear from you. Make a difference in a child's hospital journey--apply today!
Together, we can transform care through play.
Main duties of the job
The Opportunity
We are looking for enthusiastic and registered Healthcare Play Specialists to join our team. You'll play a pivotal role in using evidence-based practice to assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic play interventions tailored to individual needs.
What We're Looking For

• A Healthcare Play Specialism qualification (Foundation Degree or equivalent).
• Registration as a Healthcare Play Specialist.
• Proven experience working with children in a healthcare setting.
• Strong communication, time management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team across sites

What You'll Bring
Your creativity, compassion, and expertise will help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive and memorable experience for children and their families.
As a qualified and registered Play Specialist, you will:

• Work collaboratively within the Play Team and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Use therapeutic and developmental play techniques to meet the emotional, physical, and social needs of children and young people.
• Support families in engaging with their child's play and recovery journey.
• Facilitate distraction and preparation techniques for invasive or painful procedures.
• Develop individual play programs for long-term or specific needs patients.
• Act as an advocate for the importance of play within the hospital setting, showcasing its value to the wider healthcare team.

About us
We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on welcoming individuals from disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as those from our local area.
In line with our dedication to employee support, we offer a variety of benefits. For more information, please see the attached staff benefits leaflet.
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Details
Date posted
04 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year pa pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
176-F-7238022-C
Job locations
Peterborough City Hospital
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
PE3 9GZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations.
Person Specification
Education/Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edexcel /BTEC in specialised play for sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalent
• Knowledge of recent, relevant health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice
• Knowledge of professional and ethical issues including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practice
• Knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care setting
• Experience of effective working as a team member within an MDT
• Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with neurodiversity or challenging behaviours
• Experience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Up to date registration with HPSET

Person Specification
Education/Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edexcel /BTEC in specialised play for sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalent
• Knowledge of recent, relevant health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice
• Knowledge of professional and ethical issues including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practice
• Knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care setting
• Experience of effective working as a team member within an MDT
• Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with neurodiversity or challenging behaviours
• Experience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Up to date registration with HPSET

Skills Required